Spicy Pipe: What's Going On Here?

[GothPiper]

I have a Rossi pipe that brings an intensely spicy flavor to everything I smoke in it. It's not like tongue bite, and it's not like when a bowl burns too hot. It's literally like a dang jalapeño pepper; like when you douse your food in Tabasco.

I never smoked anything spicy in it, like a perique-heavy blend, so I have no idea what's going on here. And no other pipe I own does this. Tried a water flush, and that helps for a few smokes. But then it comes back!

Thoughts?

 

[sasquatch]

How new is this pipe? Certain briar sources have a terroir note, but it usually ranges from things like cork to cinnamon, not actual jalapeno type spice. Very odd.

 

[GothPiper]

How new is this pipe? Certain briar sources have a terroir note, but it usually ranges from things like cork to cinnamon, not actual jalapeno type spice. Very odd.

It's about 6 months old. It didn't initially have this level of spice, but now I can't cast out this demon to save my life...

 

[sasquatch]

I got nothing. Vulcanite stem? I find Savinelli's vulcanite just awful.

 

[GothPiper]

I got nothing. Vulcanite stem? I find Savinelli's vulcanite just awful.

It is vulcanite, yes. In fact, now I'm wondering if the stem isn't to blame. Even sucking air through the empty pipe produces a spicy flavor.

 

[dunnyboy]

Figuring out whether it's the stummel or the stem is an easy experiment to run. If it's the stem, then you might want to get a replacement. If it's the stummel, and you don't like Tabasco with your tobacco, then you're screwed.

 

[sasquatch]

Stem probably needs a grind and polish inside and out.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

What is spicy?

 

[mingc]

Did you hear about the wife who found her husband's condoms, poked pins though them and put hot sauce on them? Just saying.

 

[aspiring_sage]

You might want to get a 2nd opinion on the pipe, or check with a doctor.